20 Things Life is Too Short Not to Appreciate

This morning I saw an elderly woman in a wheelchair rolling down the sidewalk in the pouring rain just outside the coffee shop where I was writing. She was moving at a snail’s pace and I thought she might be struggling, so I ran out into the rain and asked her if she needed assistance or a dry resting spot. She smiled and said, “I appreciate it, but the rain feels great against my skin. I’m out here and going slow on purpose.”

I loved her sentiment – talk about the epitome of appreciating life. And truthfully, life is simply too short for anything less. When you’re young, you might feel like there’s a huge mass of time ahead of you. But trust me, it passes much faster than you think. You get grey hairs before you feel like a real adult. And then you have kids, and suddenly they’re off doing their own things. None of this is bad, of course. It’s an extraordinary experience, as long as you pause long enough to appreciate it all.

So that’s what I want to reflect on today – quick reminders about the things life is just too short not to appreciate…

A peaceful, mindful present. – The best way to prepare for the future is to take care of the present. Goodbyes will always hurt a little. Photographs can never replace the act of being there. Memories, good and bad, will sometimes bring tears. And words can never perfectly describe the feelings they represent. But that’s OK. Pain is real. But so is hope. You have to make peace with your past in order to keep your present and future from becoming hopeless battles.

The good in everything. – The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another. Train your mind to see the good in everything. Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the breeze through the trees, the small child learning to walk, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the sun on your skin. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for the beauty of each precious moment.

Life’s surprises. – Notice and cherish life’s surprises. Just because it’s not what you were expecting, doesn’t mean it’s not everything you’ve been waiting for. So take a deep breath when you’re rejected from something good. It often means you’re being redirected to something better. Be patient. Be positive. Keep going. (Read The Road Less Traveled.)

The challenges that strengthen you. – Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been otherwise. So give every opportunity a chance – leave no room for regrets. It takes courage to change and grow and become who you really are. Your struggle is part of your story. And it’s a story worth writing.

Being YOU. – You’re an original, an individual, a masterpiece. Celebrate it! Don’t let your uniqueness make you shy. Don’t be someone other than the wonder you are. Everyone has their own dreams, their own struggles, and a different path that makes sense for them. You are YOU for a reason. Own it.

The gifts that are only yours. – Even when the competition seems fierce, realize that you are only ever competing against yourself. When you catch yourself comparing yourself to a colleague, neighbor, friend, or famous personality, stop! There’s no need. You are different, with different strengths – strengths these other people don’t possess. Take a moment to reflect on all the astounding abilities you have and to be grateful for the gifts that are only yours.

Ideas and activities that excite you. – Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about. When you truly believe in what you’re doing, it shows, and it pays. Success in life is for those who are excited about where they’re going. So find something that you love – something that gets you so excited you can’t wait to get out of bed in the morning. That’s what life is all about. You deserve to be happy. You deserve to live a life you are excited about. Don’t let anyone or anything make you forget that.

The simple things. – It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary. I believe this to be true and have experienced this with my own family. When I think of the times where we laughed the most or had the most fun, it was when we were doing simple, everyday things like swimming in a pool, taking a long walk, combing a beach for shells, playing a board game, or sharing a delicious meal.

The excitement and freedom of vulnerability. – Being vulnerable is helpful to both ourselves and others. It makes us bigger in the world – the more open we are, the more there is of us out there. So open up. Allow yourself to feel, to be real and authentic. Tear down any emotional brick walls you have built around yourself and feel every exquisite emotion, both good and bad. This is life. This is how you welcome new opportunities.

Inner beauty. – As if you were on fire from within, your magnificence lives in the lining of your skin. In other words, beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart and soul. Everything will line up perfectly when knowing and living the truth of who you are on the inside becomes more important than looking good on the outside. (Read A New Earth.)

Giving without expecting anything in return. – As a child, I always thought the expression, “It’s better to give than to receive” was trite and silly. As an adult, I recognize the expression’s value. Having the capacity to give means you possess a mindset of abundance. Having the will to give means you want to make a difference in the world. Having the desire to give means you care. And nothing is more powerful than that.

The feeling of doing the right thing. – There is plenty of good in this world and it’s worth paying attention to and fighting for. So always seek and do what is right, not what is easy. BE the change you want to see.

The act of loving. – Love is a lifestyle. Let love win. Love fearlessly and without limits. No act of love or kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Love never loses in the long run. Where you invest your love, you invest your life.

Everyone around you for being who they are. – If you judge people, you have no time to love them. So pay close attention, and respect people for who they are and not for who you want them to be. Loving and respecting others means allowing them to be themselves, whether you choose to be a part of their life or not.

The whole truth. – It’s better to be hurt by the truth and grow from it, than be comforted by a lie. And beware of half-truths too – you may have gotten ahold of the wrong half. Open your eyes. You must see things how they are instead of how you hoped, wished or expected them to be. Sometimes it’s hard to accept the truth when the lies were exactly what you wanted to know, but be strong. Life is too short to live a lie.

Your self-respect. – It’s always better to be alone with dignity than in a relationship that constantly requires you to sacrifice your happiness and self-respect. When you let someone repeatedly hurt you, you are saying to them, “You matter more to me than my own self-respect and dignity.” You must take a stand and be willing to part ways with people whom you know you’ve given numerous chances to. Though letting go can cause lots of initial pain, it may be necessary medicine, providing you with the best possible life in the long run. (Marc and I discuss this in detail in the “Relationships” chapter of 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently.)

The dualities of life. – Experience life in all possible ways – the good and the bad, the bitter and the sweet, the dark and the light, the summer and the winter. Experience all of life’s dualities. Don’t be afraid of experience, because the more experience you have, the more life you truly live, and the more clearly you understand just how beautiful it is.

The balance between feeling good and growing. – We must consistently check with ourselves: “Am I committed to feeling good right now, or am I committed to growing?” Either way is fine for the moment, as long as you dance between the two in the long run. Because growth does not always feel good, and feeling good does not always provide growth. And both are necessary states of being.

A healthy body. – Your health IS your life. Never underestimate the gift of feeling strong and well. It’s the greatest wealth you will ever own. It’s the foundation for every chance at happiness and success life has to offer. So cut the excuses and treat yourself right! Take care of your body every single day – it’s the engine of your desires, and the only place you will ever truly live.

Aging. – Manage aging, but why fight it? You can spend a fortune on face creams, plastic surgery, hair growth formulas, and Botox, but eventually you realize you are fighting an uphill battle. Groom yourself nicely. Stay fit. Have unhealthy things removed. But accept the beauty of aging. A striking, mature man or woman is much more attractive than someone who looks overly taunt, tanned or top-heavy. Remember, the allure of a truly beautiful person, with passing years only grows.

Your turn…

What would you add to the list?

What is life too short not to appreciate?

Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with the community.

Comments

The past two years of my life have been very challenging as I watch my father continue to battle for his life. In an instant my world was turned upside down, and I found that it was very easy to get wrapped up in the continuing stress of the situation. I found myself constantly down and sad, but one day I realized there is still so much good that needs to be recognized.

A good friend of mine gave me a blank journal as a gift. I have been using it as my appreciation journal and write something each day for which I am grateful: the unseasonable crisp mornings as of late, air conditioning on a hot day, the fact that I am able to take a deep breath when I am stressed…and the fact that my father is still living. When your world seems to be crumbling, it’s so easy to lose sight of the (not so) little things. But it’s very comforting to know there is still so much to appreciate in my life.

#7 for me. Do things that excite me. I need to remind myself about it often since I tend to slip into doing what I “should” be doing as if i was repaying for something or buying myself out. Hmmm.. I wonder where that comes from. Anyway when I’m thinking about things that excite me I always bring to mind a picture of me kayaking and i live in a desert. Lol!

My mom, dad, and brother have died in the past couple of years, and I’m determined to appreciate everything I can every day while I’m here. Thank you so much for the reminder of all the things that make life enjoyable.

Life is too short to not appreciate every little experience. Be true to ones self and honest and kind to others. Stop complaining about every insignificant little thing. That only brings you down. Each day we live life to our fullest makes us better people. Thanks for this great post it solidified what I already knew. To be oneself openly and honestly is a precious gift.

I literally just had to let a friend of mine go last yesterday. Her and I have had feelings for each other for some time now, yet she never wanted to progress past “just friends”. I told her that I was sorry but I couldn’t just sit around and pretend to be that when she was so much more than that to me, and to get a hold of me if she was ever ready to give me what I wanted. Needless to say she was NOT happy, but at some point you really need to stand up for you and what you want. You deserve exactly what you want out of life. And if someone isn’t ready to give that to you that’s okay. The best thing you can do is send them love, let them go, and get on with your life. At some point, they will either contact you because they feel the same way, or they won’t. There are more people out there than you’ll ever be able to ask out, what you’re waiting for is out there. Go get it.

Hi Marc & Angel, I adore your posts; it always seems as if you can read my mind and heart! They are so inspiring and hit the right mark to get me in the spirit of things! I am looking forward to more enlightening articles. Much warmth, peace & thanks.

I agree with Janie, have gratitude for the simple things every single day and when you are faced with the big things in life you are able to break them down and see what the gift is in every situation . A journal is a nice way to think about all the little things that really mean what life is all about and also a way to rest your mind at night, knowing that every day is so full of treasures if and only if you are present enough to realize them! I wake up everyday and pray for peace, love and surprises:) I am hardly ever disappointed when I keep it that simple!! Have a great day and stay present… Life is what you make it:)

Having experienced pancreatic cancer and survived it this past year as well as a heart attack and related kidney damage, I’ve learned more than I ever wanted to know about appreciating physical health emotional health in the love of those who supported me, most of all my family.

#16 to me, is the most important. I married, for the 2nd time, to a man who was so perfect and loving while we were dating until the I do. Then, it was nothing but belittling, beatings, controlling, manipulating for 14 years. The family I had had in my first marriage, mattered nothing to him and he was successful in driving a wedge between us. I finally, woke up, and summoned whatever little bit of respect and courage I had and left him at the beginning of this summer. I’m living with my Mom, who just turned 90. It’s not ideal, but I am slowly building back my self-esteem and self-confidence. I appreciate the chance that life is giving me again and the lesson I learned. I can also really see and appreciate the beauty of nature that is around me again!

I really appreciate #4. No matter what has happened to us, we have the ability to overcome it and be better for it. We would be crippled without challenges but we can also be crippled if we don’t know how to deal with challenges. Being able to grow from these things is a great thing to definitely appreciate.

Thank you, thank you for another wonderful post. #6 is so encouraging to me. As I start my new business venture, I’ve been reminding myself to focus on using the gifts and unique experiences I posses. I am unique and have something amazing to offer.

1. You can spend money, spend time and expend energy. This is the “cost” of your investment in people, things and efforts. If there is little or no value in your investments here, then you are wasting your money, time and energy. So who and what are your best investments?

2. The only difference between a fortress and a prison is whether you are locked in or locked out. Life is too short to dwell in either one for very long.

3. Pick up the phone and call. Skip anything that requires a keyboard. Friends, relatives, prospects. Call for help, assistance or guidance. If they do not call back, call again. Then again, then again, then again. On your 5th message, tell them you got the message: that if they do not want to participate, this is the last call you will ever make. Then move on. Why? Life is too short to chase after people who do not have time for you.

4. Travel! Life is too short to wait around for “the right time.” You have to make it time.

Number 16 could not have resonated more. I loved my ex-boyfriend to death but I had to end the relationship. During the relationship, I found myself doing degrading sexual things to please him, ignoring racist jokes and behavior and listening to inappropriate comments about me in front of friends and family. He confided that he didn’t want “mixed” children and didn’t think races should mix. His comments killed me inside. The breaking point was when we got into a car crash (in my car) and he could care less how I felt. I realized he didn’t respect me. I had an out of body experience and something told me to leave immediately. It hurts unbelievably bad that we’re no longer together, but it feels so good that I have my self-respect. Reading number 16 reaffirms everything that I felt and makes it easier to continue getting through each day. 🙂

Great post Angel! Love what you wrote for #2 because I’ve experienced it. Smelling the morning breeze, feeling the sun touch my skin, the really simple things that most of us won’t pay attention to. Call me weird but I love the scent of the morning. Everyday when I prepare to go to work, I can’t help but smell and feel the morning breeze. Makes me feel alive and appreciate life itself.

Life is too short to . . .
1 – Fight over little things; learned this the hard way while my husband was ill. The most pleasant 6 months together!
2 – Put career over spouse; also learned the hard way, when staying to finish something at work the night my husband had to use the “purge” before a colonoscopy. Because of his issue, it was very difficult for him, he needed me and was angry that I wasn’t there. I ran to catch the ferry instead, and was forever glad I showed him that he mattered.

I am sure that there are many more, but these 2 things were lessons I will forever hold close. My husband died after a 6 month battle with colon cancer. Just like the song, he truly helped me be a better person, during our 18 years together, during our dating in high school (long before we finally married), and as a growing business woman. I lapse at times, but reading your blog often reminds of these truths and try to be the person I was with him around.

Paradox, is what the life is. The beauty is its contradiction and exciting is its uncertainty. Let us celebrate its wageries and relish the unpalatable part. The dilemma of right and wrong adds passion and fervour to the celebration called life.

Great post! Life can be so stressful sometimes, but when I’m caught up in the moment, I try to take a step back and say, “I’m alive and healthy, so what do I really have to complain about?” This really puts things in perspective and allows me to realize that nothing is permanent, so weather the storm and look on the bright side.

Life becomes more enjoyable when we accept the people around us in our lives for who they are. It is nice to just accept them for their eccentricities, views, and so forth. It makes you love them even more because they are different than you and at the same time they are the same because they are your human brother or sister.

I also think it is important to embrace the challenges life throws at you. You can learn and grow so much from them. As hard as they have been the challenges I have been through have changed me the most and have helped me the greatest.

Marc and Angel, you have again provided some wonderful wisdom for the impatient among us. One of the most valuable take aways for me is that life is about giving – to yourself first, so you can overflow to others. I’ve started practicing this and life is so much happier as a result. Thank you 🙂

Life is short, but life is measured not in years, but in experiences. So make the best out of the time you’re given. Because if you appreciate your time you won’t spend it carelessly. Enjoy life! Appreciate the small things and leave a mark!

It is doing simple things and freedom from vulnerability for me . As Leonardo da vinci has said that ” simplicity is the ultimate sophistication ” . Many of us presume that happiness is very complex and the pathway we have to follow to be happy is full of twists and turns . Much to my amazement ; the things that make me happy the most are very simple and not hard to get . When I think from the heart ; I am very happy .

Vulnerability is great concept ; to put yourself out there requires courage ; vulnerability is not an act of weakness ; it takes courage to be vulnerable . You have hit the nail right on the head when you say that if we want to be our real authentic self ; we must allow ourselves to be vulnerable . Vulnerability is a step towards self exploration .

#4 is particularly poignant to my wife Kate and I right now. And when you said this, “Your struggle is part of your story. And it’s a story worth writing.” I couldn’t have resonated more with that at this moment. We know big things are just around the corner for our family so thank you for giving us this encouragement! 🙂

Another great post from our wonderful friends Marc & Angel. My life has changed since I started reading your blog. Your book is so brilliantly written. Accepting people for who they are is very essential in life.

@Janie Anne: Way to appreciate and recognize the simple pleasures. Like you said, it’s so easy to get caught up in life’s challenges. Thank you for sharing your story.

@Nicholas: I love your attitude and mindset! Way to walk the talk.

@Dana Kristiansen: Surprises… what a great perspective! 🙂

@Donna: Be the person you know yourself to be – the best version of you – on your terms. And above all, be true to YOU – if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.

@David Rapp: As always, great thoughts to live by. Thank you.

@Anonymous: Way to follow your intuition. Seriously! Be true to yourself. Do what makes you happy. Be with who makes you smile. Laugh as much as you breathe. Love as long as you live. Say what you need to say. It sounds like you’re doing it right.

@All: So many of your additions to the list are wonderful reminders to keep our minds centered and our spirits lifted. As always, thank you for the kind, supportive words.

It’s so easy to be awed, inspired and pleased by nature that I take special time each day to ogle my surroundings……the clouds, the waves, the mountains, the beaches all of it. To not forget, I wish good morning to each and every component and I try to make it a heartfelt good morning.

Lastly, I can only hope everyone internalizes #19, that they protect, enhance, appreciate and enjoy their health. Having been an athlete all my life, I’ve used exercise to bring myself back from all sorts of challenges, emotional and physical, to help me remain rebalanced. It’s the source of energy that one needs to make it all happen and get the most out of life.

Finally, at 73 I have made health my number one priority in thought and action and I can tell you it’s like finding an old lover.

Quite simply, thank you. I get such inner strength from reading all of your articles. I’m a better person for sure for having found you. Wisdom, kindness, integrity, generosity, these are but a few of the virtues you discuss and support. Again, thank you.